Sierra 5th Edition Rifle & Handgun Reloading Manual

This 1,152 page manual retains the popular three-ring binder format and contains cartridge information, histories, and reloading recommendations, a necessity in every reloader's library.

The sections include: a complete glossary of ballistic, reloading and firearms terminology, an updated section dealing with the reloading process, reloading tools and equipment, bore care and firearms cleaning.

Renowned ballistic experts Ted Almgren and Dr. Bill McDonald have condensed the section dealing with exterior ballistics into one of the most comprehensive dissertations available on the subject today. There's also a unique question and answer chapter with some of the most commonly asked (and some of the more unusual) questions fielded by our technical service line.

Reviews

Great information in this book, and very happy this is specific Sierra bullet data. Only complaint I have and it's huge, I wish there were more powder options. The main one I use for rifle is IMR 8208xbr. Other than that great Manuel. Won this off of 76highboy reloading channel

Nothing on the 6.5 Creedmoor. Can l have some reliading data for this bullet? I use Sierra in my 7mag and .308 win. Great bullets. Now have a Savage 6.5 Creedmoor and would like some reloading data for 130 and 140 grain game kings

Sierra's 5th Edition Rifle & Handgun Reloading Manual is obsolete.
The manual and it's data are about 15 years old! Several of today's very popular cartridges are completely absent. Worse, the manual is missing information and loads for many of Sierra's own bullets! As a result, I purchase XYZ brand of bullets to load into my 6.8 SPC because XYZ company lists 6.8 SPC loads in their manual while Sierra doesn't list the cartridge at all.. I'm sure many, many people loading that cartridge and all the other modern cartridges Sierra doesn't include are doing the same sort of thing. It's really got to be costing Sierra some serious bullet sales.
CDs and computer based data are nice but they will never replace a manual that can be used on the loading bench, at the range, or at a hunting cabin off the grid. No digital version can match a manual when it comes to flipping back and forth between pages, comparing bullets and cartridges, or viewing large reloading tables. A book is also easier when it comes to penciling notes, updating the table with observed velocity data, or circling a best load.
I gave the manual two stars only because it still contains tons of useful information, many proven loads using long time bullet favorites, and lots of tables. But we must remember this book is a reference manual and like any reference manual it becomes obsolete over time.
That sums it up. The manual is obsolete.
Hey, Sierra, how about publishing a pack of updated pages to stick in the manual like you used to?

first, I have used a lot of your bullets in several calibers, many 1000's. Glad I borrowed a friends book before purchasing one. You make the products and do not support them. I thought it may be easier to find a starting point, I could have written this five years ago but thought I would check again, nope same info my grandfather had. by the way I'm a grand father too. Still like your bullets! give you a 10 on them

iv used my 5star manual for a long time and I have no problems with it the best info I got out of this manual was to square the sizing dies of which I have never found in any other loading manual extremely valuable manual overall.

Great manual 10 years ago, way out of date! Sure would like some updates (data) on Sierras new bullets considering they are the only ones I use. Purchased the 50th year anniversary, Did not take long for the 5th. What gives? I sent in my registration on the 5th Edition, If I wasn't going to receive updates . What was the purpose of filling it out. Don't get me wrong .. In my opinion Sierra makes the best bullets, there data is becoming sloppy. Sorry never expected this from the Bulletsmiths.

This Book is a waste of money...I refuse to buy Bullets from a company that won't provide loading data for the same Bullets they are trying to sell me....Whoever is in charge at Sierra needs to wake up and smell the alternative reloading manuals out there...

I have been a loyal fan of Sierra for 50 years. I have owned every manual that they ever brought out. I have to give this manual 2 stars only because they haven't seen fit to update the manual in 13 years or more. Think of the bullets and powders that have been introduced over that period of time. Sierra needs to put on their boots and do some serious catching up to all the other manual publishers. Really guys - 13 years?

This was a great manual when it came out, but it's not 2003 anymore.
Sierra would do well to come out with a 6th edition. As other commenters have said, if you're looking for any of the more modern calibers (300AAC, 6.5 etc...) This manual doesn't have them.

Same comment as everybody else. In late 2015, it's missing data for 204 Ruger, which is a common cartridge these days -- and Sierra sells bullets for it. And 223 Ackley, which is supposedly the most common Ackley caliber. I do like the reloading tips section. It seems more authoritative and more practical than some of the other manuals. But overall it's hard to recommend this manual at this point in time, and I would really like to see an update.

I have been using the 3rd Edition since 1985 when I stated reloading. According to the one review about old loads, I wish there were more. I have a 1960 Lyman book I use once in awhile,but always go back to my Sierra Manual. I have a 1941 M1 Garand that shoots 2.00 inch groups at 100 yards. The load came right out of your.book. Keep up the excellent work.

I was about to buy the latest edition because the version I have owned for years did not have 300 Blackout and several other cal. I was interested in. I am glad I noticed that the version selling now is the same version I bought over ten years ago (Edition 5). Not sure why they have not updated it yet. They could sell a lot of books if they would write the 6th Editions.

Great resource but desperately needs to be updated. .204 Ruger and 6.5 Creedmoor please! I'm new to both of these calibers and prefer to stick with manufacturers load data for my preliminary loads. Looks like I'll be using Hornady bullets in these calibers, but I prefer Sierra! Help me help you!

I've had mine for years. I like Sierra bullets and frequently use my manual, but with the arrival of new cartridges and new powders that are missing from it, it really needs updates. The manual is loose-leaf; why not just publish update packs to insert?

Bought this and then found out it was printed in 2003. Out of date and just too many missing calibers. I wanted some more .204 Ruger data and its not even in the book. Not much different than the 2nd edition that I've had since 1978..... Wasted $30

Several updates are needed before I will buy this version. Existing information is presented well and appears accurate, but I must agree with another post that some loads differ from my older manuals for no apparent reason other than being overly conservative perhaps. Would like to see the new 26 Nosler and Remington 7mm SAUM among many others.

Great reloading manual with a wealth of information; only four stars because 1) it really needs to be updated and 2) some inexplicably low maximum charges for some loads -- regardless of differing bbls, conditions, etc. This is borne out by experience and just about every other source of data.